Deacon Allan J. Foeckler "Al, Deacon Al"

Age 76, was born to Eternal Life on February 3, 2024. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years Marlene (nee Wrzaskowski). Loving father of Rachelle "Shelley" Caron, Allan Michael (Sherry), and Thomas "Tommy, T.J." (Lynda). Cherished grandfather of Taylor, Jack, A.J., Brennan, Lukas, Samuel, Marley, Hanna, Lexy, Quentin, and Bentley. Dear brother of Randy (Sue), Larry (Linda), Sandy (the late Clyde), Cindy (John), Janice (Patrick), Russell, and many nieces and nephews. Further survived by in-laws Bob and Gerry, Gail and Dennis, and their families. Al wanted to give a special shout-out to his brother-in-law and best friend Bob who made his days better.

Born September 13, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to parents Alois and Virginia, whose deep Catholic faith shaped their son. Al started in the grocery business at age 16. After graduating from Pulaski High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and proudly served as a corpsman, being named Airman of the Month in May 1967. Al went to Vietnam and was assigned to the Army for his time "in country" during the 1968 TET Offensive, earning the rank of sergeant and being awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service. After bravely serving his country in Vietnam, he returned to MacDill A.F.B and was honorably discharged.

After coming home, Al returned to the grocery business and married his childhood "friend," Marlene. After three years as assistant manager, he was promoted to Store Manager for Kohls Food Store for 16 years, while also attending college, earning an associate degree and continuing college part time for five years. After leaving Kohls, Al sold insurance for Catholic Knights Inc. for four years. He was also the owner and operator of the Boy Blue ice cream store on 20th and College for 22 years. After selling insurance, Al entered the parking industry, working at the same airport location for three different companies: All Right Parking, CPS Parking and Fast Park and Relax. There he served as the general manager for 17 years before retiring.

Al's Catholic faith always guided him through life but became increasingly important to him later in his life. He served as the first Parish Council President of St. Charles Borromeo, a church he was a founding member of, holding the position for 12 years. He also taught RCIA classes, thereby helping adults become members of the Catholic Church. These efforts lead Al to a deeper love of God and his Church. In 2002, Al, with the support of wife Marlene, entered St. Francis Seminary for five years and was proudly ordained to the Permanent Deaconate in 2007. Deacon Al served many in ministry at St. Charles Borromeo Parish where he ministered to the home bound, baptized newborns, witnessed marriages, and participated in other church services. Deacon Al also served as chaplain to the Frankin Fire Department, going out on calls and offering guidance to the firefighters and first responders - a role he cherished. He eventually served on the Deacon Senate, Continuing Education Board, and as Parish Director for Sacred Heart of Jesus (St. Francis) and Nativity of the Lord (Cudahy) for three years. Deacon Al returned to St. Charles Borromeo after his Parish Director service, where, because of medical problems, he retired from active ministry in 2023. Deacon Al moved to Florida in 2023 where he unexpectedly passed to Eternal Life.

Above all else, anyone who knew Allan J. Foeckler as Al, or Deacon Al, or Dad, or Papa, knew his greatest joy was his family who he loved and supported unconditionally.

On behalf of Deacon Al, his family would like to thank his parish communities for allowing him to minister to so many faith-filled people, Father Tony Zimmer for encouraging and inspiring him to become a deacon, and the deacon community for helping him fulfill his calling to serve. To all at Saint Charles Borromeo, please know that Deacon Al loved you all and deeply appreciated your love and support throughout the years especially after losing his wife Marlene.

Visitation Monday, February 12, 2024 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3100 W. Parnell Ave. Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation also at church Tuesday from 10 - 11 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Entombment and Military Honors to follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Deacon Al's name may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Church.

PRASSER-KLECZKA

SOUTH SUBURBAN CHAPEL 414-282-6080